We always see Angeline Quinto showcasing her talent as a performer on the ASAP stage. Behind the scenes, Angeline is a doting child to her Mama Bob. It was through Mama Bob’s domesticated nature and frequent visit at her father’s house where Angeline developed the love for cooking. When Mama Bob hosts gatherings with friends or relatives, the task of preparing dishes is handed over to Angeline who willingly travels south as far as Tagaytay City to purchase the freshest beef for either kaldereta, bulalo, or pares, the singer’s specialties in the kitchen.
On ordinary days and when her schedule permits, Angeline prepares her Mama Bob’s most requested fish and vegetable combo. She says her mom would be more than happy eating just fried fish combined with condiments like shrimp paste cooked with tomatoes and onion.
Angeline takes us to her kitchen on the afternoon following the Mother’s Day Celebration to demonstrate her skills in making the Pinoy favorite merienda lumpiang togue. To begin, Angeline sautés the garlic and onion. Her cooking style includes a little amount of ground pork which can be added in the pan after the garlic and onion become fragrant. Then, add the carrots and togue. You may wish to add fried tofu diced in smaller pieces. Next, season with salt and pepper. Angeline sprinkles kinchay or celery for added aroma. Once cooked, place one tablespoon of the togue filling in each lumpia wrapper and then roll it over. Angeline pairs the finished product with a sauce made of vinegar mixed with crushed garlic, pepper, and cucumber.
While preparing the dish, Angeline reflects on the greatest life lessons she learned from Mama Bob. “Huwag na huwag maging madamot sa pagkain,” says the first piece of motherly wisdom on her list. The most important of all, according to Angeline, is her mom’s deep lesson on humility portrayed through the characteristics of a bamboo tree. “Kahit anong marating sa buhay dapat marunong ka yumuko sa taong mas mababa sa’yo. Parang kawayan na kahit gaano kataas, nagbebend pa rin,” emphasizes Angeline.